TheOak

This is the fourth installment in a 10-part series where we take a glimpse at every New Orleans Saints position group and assign a grade for 2013.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The offensive line was undoubtedly the most inconsistent unit on the team.

The unit has been on the decline after losing players such as guard Carl Nicks (Bucs), center Jonathan Goodwin (49ers) and left tackle Jermon Bushrod (Bears) the past few offseasons. This season it had a new coach in Bret Ingalls after Aaron Kromer left.

Cracks started to show this season. There was no telling what line would show up in any given game.

Drew Brees was sacked a career-high 37 times this season (his previous highs were 26 in 2012 and 27 in 2005 with San Diego).

Two of the line's worst games were on the road at St. Louis and at Carolina, partly due to Charles Browns' final performance at left tackle and Terron Armstead's first start.

However, as Armstead improved, so did the line. It showed solid progression at the end of the season and gave up only three sacks in the playoffs, while allowing the run game to come on strong.

Right tackle Zach Strief and center Brian de la Puente will become free agents in the offseason. It's unlikely the Saints will be bringing both starters back, so they'll likely be looking at this position in the draft.

ZACH STRIEF

Strief had a solid season, consistently getting positive grades by Pro Football Focus, and provided reliability on that side of the line.

Strief also is one of the leaders in the locker room. However, he is a free agent and with the Saints at least $12 million over the projected 2014 salary cap of about $126 million, it's possible they might not be able to afford him if another team makes him a big offer.

JAHRI EVANS

Evans played hurt most of the season, appearing on the injury report with back, hamstring, him, ankle and knee issues. He missed a start for the first time in his eight-season career, sitting out two games.

By his standard, it was a down season. Yet Evans still earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for the fifth time. Even an injured Evans is still one of the best guards in the NFL.

BRIAN DE LA PUENTE

He struggled to begin the season, often getting overpowered by defenders, but had a solid ending to the year. Most important, de la Puente played every snap, giving the Saints one of two (Ben Grubbs was the other) reliable options on the offensive line.

The Saints might have a tough decision to make, as de La Puente will become an unrestricted free agent in March.

The Saints have never been a team to overpay for a center and can't afford to do so given their cap situation.

It will be a toss-up as to whether they want to bring him back or move on.

BEN GRUBBS

Grubbs had an interesting season. He earned his second Pro Bowl berth, but was inconsistent early on, particularly in his run blocking. But like most of the line, he improved down the stretch.

Grubbs' cap number jumps from $4.3 million to $9.1 million next season. He restructed his contract last offseason, but is still owed a massive amount of money that some isn't justified.

However, he and Evans will be back to provide a veteran presence on the interior of the line.

TERRON ARMSTEAD

The Saints might have found their starting left tackle for many years to come.

Armstead played only on special teams for 15 games. His first start was an extremely rocky outing at the Carolina Panthers. But he improved with every game.

Armstead, a third-round draft selection out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, is tall and athletic at 6 feet 5 and 304 pounds. The young tackle has a bright future.

CHARLES BROWN

Brown needed to prove himself as a first-time starter in a contract year. He likely will be looking elsewhere this offseason after the emergence of Armstead.

Brown's main concern was staying healthy. He did that, but a team-high 12 penalties and a terrible showing against the Rams got him permanently benched.

Although Brown was a serviceable left tackle in the latter half of the season, the team upgraded when switching to Armstead.

TIM LELITO

Lelito, an undrafted free agent, didn't prove much in his first start in place of Evans against Arizona. He allowed at least three sacks, was injured, and looked overwhelmed.

But the undrafted rookie shined in his second chance against the Falcons nine weeks later.

Playing on only one day of practice after flying home to bury his grandmother, an emotional Lelito had a complete turnaround, getting the game ball for his efforts at Atlanta in a Thursday night game.

He could have a shot at a significant role next season.

BRYCE HARRIS

Harris still hasn't gotten much of a chance to show what he can do. As Strief's primary backup, he's started two games the past two seasons (one in 2012, another this season). His 2012 season ended abruptly after he broke his fibula.

Harris played in all 16 games this season, mostly on special teams. Going into his third season, he might be a candidate to replace Strief if the Saints allow the veteran to walk in free agency.

Grade: C-

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New Orleans Saints positional analysis: offensive line | NOLA.com

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